Written by Santarvis Brown, Leadership Engineer
Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director.
When you think about effective leaders, what attributes come to mind? While there are many characteristics that are keys to success, the best leaders understand the rule of “nurture” in a professional environment. Welcome back to my series “The ABCs of Effective Leadership”. In today’s article, we’re going to explore the way that nurturing is used in the workplace, why it matters, and what a nurturing leader looks like.
What does nurturing mean in business?
Nurturing in business refers to leaders who are invested in both the “short” and the long-term growth and success of their team members. This kind of leader focuses on the talents, strengths, and weaknesses of their employees and offers them opportunities for development and improvement along the way. Nurturing leaders create supportive spaces where their team members feel free to make and learn from mistakes while pursuing their professional goals.
Leaders who emphasize nurturing their teams often assume a coaching mindset. They work with their employees to develop their abilities and serve as mentors, cheerleaders, and “guides” all at the same time.
Why does nurturing in leadership matter?
Nurturing leadership is important for a few different reasons. First, it allows your team members to engage with their job and establish themselves “within not just the industry but your company. This, in turn, leads to happier and more loyal workers who are more likely to stay with the corporation through thick and thin. Nurturing leadership is crucial to building an effective and flexible team willing to put in extra work because they appreciate their jobs.
Working directly with your employees to empower them and improve their professional opportunities also widens your network and talent pool. Happy professionals recommend your company to fellow professionals, which gives you the inside advantage in hiring. Sometimes, you can even snap up a talented candidate before they officially enter the job market.
The role of a nurturing leader in business
Nurturing leaders play a few different roles in their companies and their employees’ experiences:
Coach
Mentor
Supporter
Advocate
The best leaders provide their team members with feedback and guidance to aid in professional development. This takes the form of both coaching and mentoring. Nurturing leaders coach their teams to success by encouraging them and pointing out areas for improvement. They also mentor their employees by sharing their own experiences and knowledge to help them develop without making common mistakes. Supportive nurturing leaders serve as a strong shoulder for their employees when times are tough and advocate for their needs and professional opportunities.
If you want to take a nurturing role with your employees, there are a few approaches to consider. First, invest in the growth of your team members. Seek out opportunities for skill-building, training, and other professional growth activities for your employees, and do so as often as possible. Celebrate progress, too, not perfection. Good workers don’t need to be flawless; they just need to be dedicated to constant improvement and growth. Finally, offer constructive feedback when necessary to help remedy errors and encourage future success.
Nurturing leaders form the backbone of effective and progressive organizations. From building relationships to creating incredibly skilled and talented employees, this particular leadership characteristic is an important one.
Santarvis Brown, Leadership Engineer
Dr. Santarvis Brown has spent 15+ years serving as a leader, innovator, and changemaker in education, showcasing in-depth insight as an administrator, educator, and program director. A noted speaker, researcher, and full professor, he has lent his speaking talent to many community and educational forums, serving as a keynote speaker. He has also penned several publications tackling issues in civic service, faith, leadership, and education.
